Made In Rossendale

Local manufacturing businesses with a ‘wow’ factor are being encouraged to shout about why their company should win the Made In Rossendale crown. The coveted title is always hotly contested and this year the award criteria has changed to attract more manufacturing businesses.

Award sponsor J and J Ormerod has been making products in Rossendale for nearly 150 years. “Whether it is making widgets or manufacturing at the cutting edge using the latest technology, Rossendale businesses need to be shouting about their achievements,” said JJO joint managing director Stephen Greenhalgh, “We want to inspire young people into manufacturing; it should not be seen as a second choice career because it offers vast opportunities.”

This year judges will be looking to award the title to a manufacturing business that has a product or process that has given their business a ‘wow’ factor. They want to see how the business has improved since 2014 but more importantly how a company’s ‘wow’ factor has led to that success.

JJO manufactures kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms at various sites across Rossendale and has moved with the times. “Our workforce is now just as likely to be a technical programmer operating CNC machines or a computer as someone putting in nails at a saw mill,” said Stephen, “Innovation and product design are essential as well as trying to predict where the market is going.”

Valley at Work, which connects local businesses, organises the awards and Chairman Rob Carder said: “Manufacturing businesses are a vital part of a thriving business community and it is essential that their contribution is properly recognised.”